Cain, Gonzalez, among Outfielders the Blue Jays should pursue in the Free Agent Market
Believe it or not, there are just 54 days until the Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training Home Opener game against the Philadelphia Phillies! However, The Toronto Blue Jays have not made any moves this off-season.
The Jays are one of two teams (the second being the Pitsburgh Pirates) that have yet to sign a free agent this off-season. And while this free agency market does not include many stars, there are many above-average players that will be able to positively impact any team they sign with. So who should the Jays target in this free agency market?
When looking through the list of un-signed free agents, a few players caught my attention. Below, you will find a list of free agnet outfielders the Blue Jays should consider signing. In my opinion, the Blue Jays have great depth in the minor leagues when it comes to young and speedy outfielders, so looking to find options in the free agent market is probably not the best option.
OF, Carlos Gonzalez - Colorado Rockies
Age: 32
2017 salary: $20 million
Games Played: 136
Stats: .262/.339/.423 with 14 HR, 3 SB in 534 plate appearances
Wins Above Replacement: -0.2
I have been a big “CarGo” fan ever since I first started watching baseball. While he didn’t have a great 2017 season, he did pick up his pace near the end of the season. However, it is worth noting that since he plays in Colorado, his numbers may be inflated. If Gonzalez ends up signing with an American League team, he would be able to slip into the DH role and get out of the Coors Field grass. If the Jays end up signing CarGo, I would only see a one, possibly two, year deal for him. I also would only see them signing him as a low-price option. CarGo would be a great veteran to have in the clubhouse, essentially replacing José Bautista’s “big brother” role.
OF, Lorenzo Cain — Kansas City Royals
Age: 31
2017 salary: $11 million
Games Played: 155
Stats: .300/.363/.440 with 15 HR, 26 SB in 645 plate appearances
Wins Above Replacement: 4.1
Lorenzo Cain signing with the Blue Jays has been one of the biggest rumours since the start of the off-season. He is reportedly looking for a four-year contract. Last season, Cain had a great year with the Royals, posting a .300 average along with 15 homeruns and 26 stolen bases. He played 155 out of 162 games, managing to stay healthy throughout the entire season. Cain is attatched to a draft pick, since the Royals extended a qualifying offer to him. Cain is one of the only players with a speed/power combo in the free agent market, and he would surley be an upgrade to the top of the Blue Jays lineup. His defence is fantastic as well, and would look great alongside our Superman, Kevin Pillar!
OF, Jay Bruce — Cleveland Indians
Age: 30
2017 salary: $13 million
Games Played: 146
Stats: .254/.324/.508 with 36 HR, 1 SB in 617 plate appearances
Wins Above Replacement: 2.7
Jay Bruce has been connected to the Blue Jays since the 2016 season. While Bruce does not offer much defensively, he does offer a quality left-handed bat. In 2016, the Blue Jays nearly traded for Bruce in a three team trade, but it didn’t work out. Could this be the year that the Blue Jays finally sign Jay Bruce? It doesn’t look like it, especially since he is reportedly looking for a four year contract worth $80-$90 million.
OF, Jarrod Dyson- Seattle Mariners
Age: 33
2017 salary:
Games Played: 111
Stats: .251/.324/.350 with 5 HR, 28 SB in 390 plate appearances
Wins Above Replacement: 2.6
Jarrod Dyson has not been mentioned much this off-season, but he could be a good signing for the Blue Jays. Dyson is a speedy veteran, which is almost like an oxymoron in baseball world. And while Dyson may not bring a lot of hitting power, he does steal a fair amount of bases. Blue Jays manager John Gibbons has also talked about Dyson, and it seems like Gibby would like the fit of Dyson in both the Jays clubhouse and lineup.
OF, Jon Jay- Chicago Cubs
Age: 32
2017 Salary: $8 million
Games Played: 141
Stats: .296/.374/.375 with 2 HR, 2 SB in 433 plate appearances
Wins Above Replacement: 1.1
Jon Jay hits for average, rather than power. He would provide the Jays with a solid left handed, middle of the order bat. His defence is mediocre. The one-year, $8 million deal he signed last winter provides a template for his next deal.
OF, Cameron Maybin — Los Angeles Angels & Houston Astros
Age: 30
2017 Salary: $9 million
Games Played: 114
Stats: .228/.318/.365 with 10 HR, 33 SB in 450 plate appearances
Wins Above Replacement: 1.7
Cameron Maybin would be a defensive upgrade in either corner of the outfield for the Jays. He is an under-average hitter, but is quite a speedy force on the bases.
Out of these options, who would you like to see the Toronto Blue Jays sign and place in the outfield for the 2018 season?
